The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has introduced licensing exemptions for intermediaries distributing stablecoins issued by licensed entities.

The relief is temporary and will expire on June 1, 2028, unless repealed earlier. ASIC said it is intended as a bridge until a broader licensing framework for payment stablecoins is implemented.

Scope of the Exemption

Under the ASIC Corporations Stablecoin Distribution Exemption Instrument, intermediaries distributing stablecoins issued by an Australian financial services licensee no longer need to hold their own AFS, market, or clearing and settlement facility licenses.

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ASIC said the exemption only applies to stablecoins classified as financial products under the Corporations Act and issued by eligible AFS licensees.

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Currently, the relief applies to a single issuer, Catena Digital Pty, which issues the AUDM stablecoin Stablecoin Unlike other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that have been designed to keep a stable value. Placing a greater emphasis on stability over volatility can be a huge draw for some investors. Many individuals can be turned off from large swings and uncertainty presented by cryptos relative to other traditional assets.Stablecoins control for this volatility by being pegged to another cryptocurrency, fiat money, or to exchange-traded commodities, including Unlike other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that have been designed to keep a stable value. Placing a greater emphasis on stability over volatility can be a huge draw for some investors. Many individuals can be turned off from large swings and uncertainty presented by cryptos relative to other traditional assets.Stablecoins control for this volatility by being pegged to another cryptocurrency, fiat money, or to exchange-traded commodities, including Read this Term. ASIC noted the exemption could expand as more stablecoin issuers obtain AFS licenses.

🚨 BREAKING:

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA’S ASIC RELAXES RULES FOR STABLECOIN PLAYERS.

REGULATION ON THE WAY 🚀 pic.twitter.com/YSW8VEzFhC

— Crypto Ape (@TheMoneyApe) September 18, 2025

Covered Services

The measure covers services related to secondary distribution, including providing general advice, making a market, dealing in the stablecoin, and custodial services.

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ASIC introduced the exemption following feedback on a consultation paper. Stakeholders had raised concerns about compliance Compliance In finance, banking, investing, and insurance compliance refers to following the rules or orders set down by the government regulatory authority, either as providing a service or processing a transaction. Compliance concerning finance would also be a state of being following established guidelines or specifications. This designation can also encompass efforts to ensure that organizations are abiding by both industry regulations and government legislation. Understanding ComplianceCompliance is a In finance, banking, investing, and insurance compliance refers to following the rules or orders set down by the government regulatory authority, either as providing a service or processing a transaction. Compliance concerning finance would also be a state of being following established guidelines or specifications. This designation can also encompass efforts to ensure that organizations are abiding by both industry regulations and government legislation. Understanding ComplianceCompliance is a Read this Term costs under existing licensing rules during a transitional period.

Global Regulators Increase Focus on Stablecoins and Digital Assets

Recent global developments show regulators are increasingly focused on stablecoins and digital assets. Earlier, ASIC has urged crypto firms to apply for an Australian Financial Services Licence and updated guidance on compliance.

The European Union implemented the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation for asset-referenced and e-money tokens, while the U.S. passed legislation allowing banks and financial institutions to issue stablecoins backed by fiat or high-quality collateral.